This book is must reading for anyone who has a pet, has had a pet, or will have a pet.

Veterinarian Dr. Nick Trout’s accounting of his journey to veterinary medicine grabs the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone.

Written in the similar style as John Grogan who wrote Marley and Me, Trout tells hilarious tales such as the time his yellow lab, Meg, who has a propensity of making nightly raids on the trashcan, gets a turkey carcass with the “end” result being what one would expect – and much more.

Born, raised, and educated in England, Trout knew his father was an animal lover and followed James Harriott, author of All Creatures Great and Small.

While Trout wanted a puppy, his mother would have none of it. When his father brings home Patch, a German shepherd, the dog bonds with the father more than Trout, but his father takes Trout along on all the veterinarian visits, piquing Trout’s interest in veterinary medicine.

When Patch finally succumbs to age-related disease, Trout’s mother, much to the surprise to the family, brings home a black lab mix, Bess, a puppy who had gotten her head stuck in a fence. Within days, his father brings home Whiskey, a golden retriever puppy. They prove to be quite a spirited mix.

The family moves to Yorkshire Dales, mainly because Harriott lives close by and because the father hopes that Trout will choose farm animals as his specialty.

That is not to be. After graduating from The Royal College of Veterinary Medicine, and visiting the United States, Trout chooses to go to the states to practice.

He intersperses stories of these pets along with those of his patients, his successes and failures, and how his relationship with his father and the family pets have shaped him as a husband, father, and veterinarian.

I can see this being made into a movie with Matt Damon, Colin Farrell, or Liev Schreiber as Trout.

Trout now and his family live in Boston where he is staff surgeon at Angell Animal Medical Center.

Karen S. (Minneapolis, MN)

Loved this book!

I was delighted with this book, both the heartwarming stories and the wonderfully descriptive use of language. I found it to be just a joyful book to read, not because every story is joyful, but because it left me feeling so grateful for the pets (and the people) I've been blessed to know in my life.

Janice H. (Savage, Minnesota)

Wonderful Dog Memories

Ever By My Side by Dr Nick Trout is a wonderful tribute to the animals in his life and an enjoyable read. The author is a great storyteller and tells stories that make you laugh and sometimes cry right along with him. It’s a great story of the dogs in his life as a child, the ones he leaves at home when he goes to college, the ones that he gets to know as a veterinarian and the dogs that become a part of his children’s lives. The connection between his father and the family dogs is heartwarming and sincere. With his focus on the canine creatures and their place in each family, he shares great insight into the relationship between an animal and his owner. When Nick leaves home, “Six years in six minutes,” describe the years from high school to college graduation, which is just the way life can be sometimes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these adventures and would recommend it to anyone who has or has had a special pet in their life.

Colleen L. (Casco, ME)

A moving memoir...Ever By My Side

What a lovely and moving book! Dr Trout does an excellent job describing his life growing up in England surrounded by dogs. Anyone who has ever grown up with animals will empathize with his experiences. The story is so much more, however. The dynamics between his father and him are written beautifully. His father is written with such tenderness and love and understanding.

I believe this book will appeal to both people who love animals but also to those people who enjoy memoirs. I loved the book and found it funny, touching and compassionate. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends.

Sharon W. (Two Rivers, WI)

Another Great Memoir

I am a fan of memoirs and this one didn't let me down. I loved Dr. Trout's writing. I felt part of the story. His love of animals was amazing, through the good and bad. I laughed and cried throughout. Animal lovers will love it. Thank you Dr. Trout!!

Patricia M. (San Jose, CA)

A Wonderful Book

I loved this book. The family pets presented here as well as the pets that Trout encounters as a veterinarian make you smile and or hold your breath with worry for their welfare.

Nick’s family is a big part of this book and the relationship Nick has with his father is one that is very touching.

Anyone that has ever loved an animal will relate to this book - and I think that men in particular will find the father/son relationship memorable.

Karla S. (Dana Point, CA)

The highs and lows of pet ownership

I was sorry to finish this book. Now I want to read the other books by this veterinarian-author.

When Nick Trout stated that English was his worst subject in school he mist have been joking. "Ever by My Side" is written with such compassion for his family and four legged friends. His honesty in dealing with the good and the difficult situations is very appealing. I love his telling of his concern for not fulfilling his father's dream of helping in his practice [edited for plot spoilers]. You have to smile at the antics of the charming, but irascible dogs in his life. I will recommend this book to my book club.

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